Trading Crowns

A Recognition of the Day

Many are the hopes and full are the dreams that enter into the minds of our teens and families as they begin their journey into adulthood. Today represents a very unique time in their lives and the lives of their parents and siblings. It is a day when feelings are a mix of joy, happiness, pride, hope, and love. It is also a time when these feelings of “good” are joined to emotions of anxiety, somberness, loneliness, and questions of identity, not only for our teens but especially for their parents or caretakers. Furthermore, it is a day when we, as a church, recognize the fruit of our labors as young disciples head off to the world equipped with knowledge of God and the support of hundreds of brothers and sisters in Christ who have kept watch over them and guided and invested in them since they were babies. Emotions are indeed very high on days like today. And for me, I am looking at a group of young adults that represent my own unique experience of entering into ministry. So, what is it, then, that might be of benefit for each of the groups I’ve mentioned: Parents, siblings, extended family, church family, and ministers alike? My hope is that my words, shared with the backing of the scriptures might help us all identify, re-identify, commit or re-commit to the call of our Lord Jesus as we highlight the mentality of John the Baptizer.

If you will, turn with me to John, Chapter 3: 22-35

Read the text.

John 3:22-35

“After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized— for John had not yet been thrown into prison. Therefore there arose a debate between John’s disciples and a Jew about purification. And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have borne witness, behold, He is baptizing and all are coming to Him.” John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. “You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. “He must increase, but I must decrease. “He …”

Let’s look at the progression of the passage quickly.

Progression of the Passage

Christ arrives to a place very common to John and John’s disciples. Notice, there are now 2 very prominent religious figures in the same local are.

There, naturally, arises a debate, or dispute between “a Jew and the disciples of John.” After all, if John’s baptism was for purification, could this other Man also have that authority?

The claim is brought to John in an attempt to stir him to jealousy about “the one who was with him” having success in his ministry, bringing many to Himself.

John, a very popular and recognized prophet (Matt. 21:26) among people, was tempted here to compare himself and his work with that of Christ, to downplay Christ’s ministry, or even seek to increase his own influence through competition—something many of us might have been tempted to do.

He begins his answer by looking to the source of all his success, and even more, explaining Christ’s success.

Once he has explained the source to his disciples, he recalls and reemphasized what his purpose had always been, something his disciples may have lost sight of.

He states his place as it relates to the coming king as “a friend of the bridegroom,” a subject we will focus much on.

Finally, he states his conclusion and submission: He must decrease; Christ must increase, and all who come after God must come to God through this One.

Now that we see the breakdown of the story, let’s look at the significance of John’s response.

The friend of the bridegroom

Answering the questions of today

Matt.6:34: Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

1 Peter 4:11 “whoever speaks, as one speaking the oracles of God; whoever serves, as one serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and might forever and ever. Amen.”

My friends, the answer is not to make life a matter of “what” you will do, study, or the like; for these things are all things in this world and that will pass away. The answer is found in the “who” and “how” you do WHATEVER you decide to do.

Practicality for the Path

Pray often: There is no greater ally in the universe than Him who hears the prayers of the saints! Prayer is not merely a check-the-box task to be done out of obligation just before you fall asleep. It is an active, aggressive work that brings all your concerns, desires, limitations, enemies, trials, and questions to the feet of your friend, ally, and Father. Though you may soon after forget all that you have prayed for, when you make prayer intentional and devote time to it and the Spirit leads you, your Father remembers the prayer of faith! This is the highest comfort available to us. Use it often!

Worship Daily: Our lives are to be offered to God as sacrifice, holy and acceptable to him. That means worship is not just about the songs you sing on Sunday, the verses you read in class on Wednesday night, or the communion you take on the Lord’s Day. Worship is the glorification of God in every aspect of your life. When you lie down and when you rise up. When you are at home and when you are away. Always worship God.

Find a Body of Believers: When you get where you are going—or if you are where you will remain—you may be tempted to find other groups, activities, etc. that you believe are of more benefit to you. Oh that you would resist that thought! For in the church, and only in the church, do you have family who will help you along the way. Not only so, but it is only in the church where you will find people who will walk with you on the narrow path. They will bear your burdens for the glory of Christ. There is nothing more valuable than this fellowship on this earth!

Seek God in His Word: Seek wisdom in the faithful witness of scripture, and learn of God and of His will by reading, studying, and meditating on His word. He has chosen to communicate himself through this means, and by spending time in it, molding your life to it, and praying through it, you will find your comfort and peace in abundance because you are following God according to what God has given you.

Finally, Practice Self-Examination: Dear friends, always remember you were bought with a price. You were purchased by the blood of Jesus according to the will of the Father, and are being led in sanctification by His Spirit. God has pardoned your crimes, and forgiven you by faith. Yet, there is incredible danger in becoming arrogant, prideful, and callous. The heart may grow cold when we neglect self-examination, and we may begin to lean on our own achievements and efforts. May it not be so among you! Examine yourself for lust, pride, temptations, and secret sin. Then, as the scriptures tell us, 2 Corinthians 10:5 “...take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,”

Eternal Benefits

If you will notice, my friends, that these habits are much more than haphazard or fleeting thoughts, and they will lead—not to one-sided conversations with the voice in your head, but to lasting fellowship and communion with God. John the Baptizer knew his purpose from the beginning, and when given an opportunity to forsake his call and his place, he stood firm and exalted Christ. His faithfulness did not bring him to sorrow or jealousy. It brought him joy! Great joy! May each of us live by the words of John every moment of our lives. May Christ increase, and we decrease!